The Journey
         A newsletter for Phi Theta Kappa chapter advisors, chapter officers, and regional officers.  

A Chapter for All Seasons

International Officer Editorial
     by: Stephanie Wright, International President for 1999-2000

International Convention is over, finals are through, and new officers are installed, your chapter is probably breathing a well deserved sigh of relief. Congratulate yourselves on an outstanding year, then use the summer to start planning even greater things for the future.

Successful chapters throughout Phi Theta Kappa use different strategies, but all agree that the summer months, if used effectively, can provide a foundation of chapter unity, planning and excitement upon which the entire coming year is built.

Use the energy of new officers to keep the momentum going.

"The new officers are among the most active and enthusiastic members we have," explained Cocoy Ventura, incoming vice president for the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at Guam Community College in Barrigada, Guam. Many chapters kick off their summers with a retreat in which outgoing officers train next year's team. Others have adapted the International Convention format to create their own Chapter Officer Academy, while some groups use the summer as a transition period, allowing outgoing and incoming officers to work closely together. The new team is probably very anxious to get to work, so take advantage of all that excitement and enthusiasm!

Change gears during the summer.

Try activities that take you away from the college and think about including the families of your members. These activities can help your chapter work toward Five-Star progress by incorporating an aspect of one of the Hallmarks as well. My chapter at Tulsa Community College's Northeast Campus hosted the "Ride for Reading" roller coaster marathon last summer. Members of the Oklahoma/Arkansas Region were invited to bring their families and join us in collecting pledges for each time they completed a ride on the roller coaster at a local amusement park. "We had a great time and it served a very important purpose," said chapter president Richard Wright. All funds raised benefited a literacy program created by our chapter.

Set your sights on new success in 1999-2000.

During the summer, determine your goal for the Five-Star Chapter Development Program and begin to plan activities that will contribute to reaching your target. What role does your chapter want to assume on your campus and in your community? How will you promote leadership and involvement, not only among officers, but among chapter members as well?

The Phi Theta Kappa chapter on the campus of Scottsdale Community College in Scottsdale, Arizona, is planning a retreat in the mountains. "We'll get away, focus on goals and planning for next year, and build our team," noted chapter advisor Dr. Virginia Stahl.

Along with your chapter planning, the more relaxed pace of summer may be perfect for meeting with college administration members to create strategies for effective chapter/college cooperation.

Take advantage of the opportunities that your region may offer and create your own opportunities.

Regional events, including Honors Institutes and Summer Planning Meetings, are a wonderful chance to keep members connected through the break and to expose those who are new to a bigger picture. This is also a great time to invite the region to come to you. Chapters have initiated camping weekends, study trips overseas, and team sports tournaments that have reached out to include entire regions.

Stress communication.

With fewer students on campus, newsletters, phone calls and e-mail contacts become even more important. Try a phone or e-mail chain, with each member being responsible for spreading news to an assigned list of their fellow Phi Theta Kappans. Include spring inductees, too, solidifying their connections to the chapter.

For most college newspapers, the summer months tend to be rather slow. This is an opportunity to get the word out about the important things that your chapter is doing and to ensure that you are seen as a year-round presence on campus. Also, be sure that all new officers have been reported to International Headquarters so they may receive Society publications during the academic year.

Rather than just time off, the summer can give your chapter a chance to get a head start on the year. With the enthusiasm of your new officers, creative activities, planning as a priority, regional interaction, and a focus on communication, you can enter the fall semester as active, prepared, and contributing leaders of your college and community. Remember, June, July, and August are one-fourth of your year - can you really afford not to make full use of this time?

Contact Stephanie Wright at stephanieawright@hotmail.com

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
Center for Excellence
1625 Eastover Drive
Jackson, MS  39211
800.946.9995